By John David Hicks
Psalms 103:1-8: “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Here in Psalm 103:1-8 David is reminding himself of the Lord’s benefits and he says to his soul, “Don’t be unresponsive, don’t be unthankful, don’t be indifferent to what the Lord has done for you.” He starts off with praise and thanksgiving for all the blessing God has given. Then David names nine definite benefits he has received and does not want to forget.
FIRST in v3, the Lord has forgiven every one of my sins and iniquities.
SECOND, the Lord heals all my diseases.
THIRD in v4, it is the Lord who redeems my life from the pit of corruption and the grave.
FOURTH, the Lord’s grace crowns me with love, compassion and mercy.
FIFTH in v5, the Lord satisfies my desires with good things.
SIXTH, the Lord renews my youth like the eagle’s to soar and overcome.
SEVENTH in v6, the Lord works righteousness in me and justice for all who are oppressed.
EIGHTH in v7, the Lord reveals His ways and acts to Moses, Israel and Me.
NINTH in v8, the Lord has been compassionate and gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness towards me. “For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield” (Psalms 5:12 NKJV).
David worshipped with thanksgiving and praise when he remembered the Lord’s benefits. These nine unchanging benefits and mercies of the Lord caused David’s soul to rejoice. “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Don’t forget the Lord’s BENEFITS!
“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation!” (Psalms 68:19 NKJV).